Canton has flipped this switch for 28 years running. Get the kids to the Garden Center by 6, watch Stadium Park go from dark to glowing, and be home by 8 without spending a dime.
WHO Family
WhenThu Nov 19, 2026 · 6:00–8:00 PM
WhereCanton Garden Center (Stadium Park), 1615 Stadium Park Dr NW, Canton
Four days, 36 years, zero admission. Duck into the Canton Garden Center, let Holly Pine Lane do its thing, and you're in the holiday mood before December even shows up.
WHO Family
WhenThu Nov 19 – Sun Nov 22, 2026 · Thu–Fri 10:00 AM–8:00 PM; Sat–Sun 10:00 AM–5:00 PM
WhereCanton Garden Center, 1615 Stadium Park Dr NW, Canton
Crocker Park's annual tree lighting block party: Santa lights the tree, with live holiday entertainment, family activities, local vendors and seasonal food.
WHO Everyone
WhenSat Nov 21: block party 4:00–8:00 PM; Santa arrives 7:00 PM to light the tree
WhereCrocker Park – Center Circle, 189 Crocker Park Blvd, Westlake
Strongsville lights up the Commons at 5:30 and throws open the Historical Village till 8. Bundle up, walk the corner of Pearl and Royalton, and pretend you aren't cold.
WHO Everyone
WhenSun Nov 22, 2026 · Starts 5:30 PM; Historical Village open 5:30–8:00 PM
WhereStrongsville Commons, Pearl Rd & Royalton Rd, Strongsville
Akron's parade rolls down Main from Exchange to Bowery at 6, lit up head to hoof, and then the tree goes on at Lock 3. Stake out your curb early; everybody else had the same idea.
WHO Everyone
WhenFri Nov 27, 2026 · Parade 6:00 PM; tree lighting follows at Lock 3
WhereMain Street parade route to Lock 3, S Main St (Exchange St to Bowery St), Akron
Hudson has lit these greens for 78 years. Show up at 4:30, grab something from the food trucks on E. Main, and stay on the Gazebo Green till the whole town glows.
WHO Everyone
WhenFri Nov 27, 2026 · 4:30–7:00 PM; main festivities on the Gazebo Green 5:00–7:00 PM
WhereClocktower and Gazebo Greens, E Main St, Hudson
Aurora flips the tree on at 5 in Bicentennial Park, and the activities cost you nothing. Get there at 4:30, turn the kids loose, and you're home before bedtime.
WHO Everyone
WhenSat Nov 28, 2026 · 4:30–7:00 PM; tree lighting 5:00 PM
WhereBicentennial Park, 115 E Pioneer Trail, Aurora
Ice and lights on a working farm — that's the whole pitch, and it works. Go Thanksgiving weekend or come back Dec 18–23, and walk off the pie while you're at it.
WHO Everyone
WhenFri Nov 27 – Sun Nov 29 and Fri Dec 18 – Wed Dec 23, 2026 · 4:00–9:00 PM
Walk the trail or crank the heat and drive through — your call. It's free every night till Dec 23, and they'd love a can of food from you on the way in.
WHO Everyone
WhenNightly Fri Nov 27 – Wed Dec 23, 2026 · 5:30–9:00 PM
WhereCarlisle Reservation Visitor Center (walking trail); drive-through at Carlisle Equestrian Center, 13630 Diagonal Rd, 12882 Diagonal Rd, LaGrange